Roxborough big man inexperienced but effective

BY AARON CARTER, Daily News Staff Writer cartera@phillynews.com

Posted: February 06, 2014

AT 6-8, TYERE MARSHALL might seem a surprising underdog. That is until you find out the Roxborough High junior big man is playing his first season of high school basketball.

Yesterday, Marshall's 17 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks helped the host, sixth-seeded Indians (12-10, 10-3) smack 11th-seeded Masterman, 67-47, in the Public League (Class AA) preliminary playoffs. Roxborough will play at High School of the Future tomorrow at 3:15.

So, why did the Germantown resident suddenly decide to get into the game?

"A lot of people told me I could, and a lot of people said I couldn't," Marshall said. "I just really wanted to prove [the doubters] wrong."

Marshall is the nephew of former Martin Luther King and Temple standout Wayne Marshall, who is currently playing overseas.

Tyere said the two will work out together during the summer to improve his game. Marshall said he always liked watching basketball on TV, but playing wasn't on his radar. He declined to play his freshman year and academic struggles grounded him as a sophomore. But after years of pokes and prods from family and friends, he finally took the plunge.

"I knew this year and next year would be my only chance, so it was time to put that work into play on the team," he said.

Of his early adjustments, he said, "Meeting teammates and learning how to play with them and learning the plays and stuff. That was the toughest thing to do."

Marshall reported that the team's inability to mesh early caused some of its early struggles.

"We just woke up," he said. "In the beginning of the season, we were OK, but toward the end, we started getting closer."

Senior forward Tony Brown scored 15 points and grabbed five rebounds for the Indians. The Blue Dragons, who start four freshmen, received 19 points from frosh guard Liam Shanahan and 16 points and 16 rebounds from first-year forward Jesse Turkson.

Marshall, who said video games and pickup basketball and football occupied his time growing up, said his goal is to eventually make it to college and maybe beyond.

"I think I rebound well and keep the team in the game and make sure we keep our heads up," he said. "I play good defense, and I have good post moves."

As for reluctant college coaches who might think twice about his relative inexperience, Marshall would make his case: "I'd tell that college coach that I play as hard as I can in every game we have and that I help the team on and off the court."